Benue: Ortom explains why he revealed identity of latest COVID-19 patient

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has revealed why he disclosed the identity of the latest COVID-19 patient in the state.

Recall that Ortom while confirming the second COVID-19 case in the state had identified one Edward Manger as the carrier of the virus.

Ortom disclosed that Manger, who works with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, had returned to the state from Kano towards the end of April.

However, Ortom explained that Manger’s identity was revealed to help trace those he had made contact with since he arrived the state.

The governor’s explanation was contained in a statement signed and sent to DAILY POST by his Chief Press Secretary, Tever Akase, on Tuesday.

Ortom also stressed that staying at home was the safest way to prevent the spread of the virus.

According to the statement: “Ortom gave the identity of the infected person as Edward Manger, a staff of the Nigerian Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, who came in from Kano State, a few days ago.

“The Governor who briefed journalists on the matter this morning, said the confirmed case is cooperating with the State Action Committee on Coronavirus in contact tracking and has already been isolated and is receiving treatment.

“He noted that announcing the identity of a COVID-19 case is to enhance the tracking of those who might have come in contact with the patient.”

The statement also disclosed that the governor will meet with the state Action Committee on COVID-19 to further review the partial lockdown imposed on the state.

“Governor Ortom said the State Action Committee on COVID-19 would meet tomorrow to review the partial lockdown and as well take further preventive measures against the spread of the pandemic.

“He assured Benue people that nobody who is tested positive to the deadly Coronavirus, COVID-19 will be abandoned, as such persons would be assisted to access treatment.

“The Governor urged residents of the state to stay at home if they were not on essential services,” stressing that it was, “the safest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the statement added.